New Maximum Draft Set for Vessels on the Bystre Canal

The Harbour Master of the Port of Izmail has introduced new restrictions for vessel passage through the Bystre mouth (Danube–Black Sea).

As of September 18, the maximum draft for vessels is set at 5.5 meters. Passage is permitted only during daylight hours and strictly under mandatory pilotage.

The previous order, dated September 4, has been repealed. The decision was made based on the latest depth measurements carried out by the Delta-Pilot branch of the Ukrainian Sea Ports Authority (USPA).

According to Avalon Shipping operations manager Kateryna Kononenko, the news is generally positive, as the increase in draft capacity will allow higher traffic through the mouth. However, challenges remain on certain sections, such as Izmail — 44 miles (Catal), where water levels are still problematic.

“The maximum draft in this section remains at 6.8 m. Therefore, larger vessels of 5,000–10,000 DWT cannot be fully loaded (7.0 m) in Izmail. For them, the Port of Reni is safer, as the Danube there maintains a draft of 7.0 m or more. With the arrival of autumn, water levels in the Danube may rise, which would improve the situation,” Kononenko noted.